Water Rights and the Processes of Negotiation among Irrigators in West Shewa Zone: The Case of Indris Irrigation Scheme in Toke Kutaye District

Abstract

This paper scrutinizes water rights and the processes of negotiation among
irrigators diverting water from lndris Scheme. The scheme marked three phases in
its historical development. Multiple water use rights refle cting the theoretical
orientation of legaL pluralism have co-existed governing the behaviors of users.
Conflicts have been attributed to institutional malfunctioning, weak observance on
water right rules and increasing statistics of users. Negotiations have been
initiated to settle conflicts. The formulation of water guidelines stipulating specific
irrigation water use entitlements, awareness building, promotion of neg(Jtiated
approaches, and enforcement of customary rules constituted the dimensions that
seek meticulous consideration in prospect.